Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.
STARLINK-30053 (56700)
COSPAR: 2023-067N | Alt Name: Starlink 30053
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56700
International Designator
2023-067N
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:33:25 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
242.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
280.10°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30053
Alternative Name
Starlink 30053
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56700U 23067N 26201.18987845 -.00000388 00000+0 -45813-5 0 9993
2 56700 43.0022 242.8273 0002071 280.1023 79.9595 15.27574363175960
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30053 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS, designed for communication purposes. It was launched on May 19, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms when dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters to maintain its orbit.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 6-3-13
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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